When to plant Calendula in the UK

Calendula officinalis

Calendula
Calendula · Calendula officinalis

Hardy annual for long-lasting edible and ornamental flowers. Sow direct outdoors. Keep picking and deadheading and it will flower for months. It takes full sun, and a little light shade is fine.

45 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water

Add to garden
Sow outdoors September to October.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow outdoorsNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesNoNo

UK averages · set your town for dates worked out from your local frost records · how dates are worked out

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

Dates for your town

Set your town to see planting windows worked out from local frost history, not a generic UK calendar.

Growing guide for the UK

Change the guide to see different planting timelines and tips.

Sow once in free-draining soil for flowers next year. Protect young plants only when hard frost is forecast.

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds

    early September to early October UK average · set your town for your exact dates

    Sow during early September to early October in free-draining soil where the plants are to flower. Cover by . Keep the surface lightly moist until seedlings establish. This is one sowing, not a run of batches.

  2. 02

    Thin Seedlings

    mid-September to late October UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Thin during mid-September to late October to . Take out surplus seedlings cleanly so you do not disturb nearby roots.

  3. 03

    Protect Young Plants

    mid-September to mid-December UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    From mid-September to mid-December, keep the seedbed weed-free. Cover with fleece only if hard frost is forecast. Take it off in mild weather.

  4. 04

    Deadhead and Maintain

    early April to mid-October UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Flowers open next year, from early April through mid-October. Pick and deadhead fading flowers so plants keep flowering. Water in long dry spells.

Suggested varieties

Popular varieties of Calendula to consider

Pacific Beauty

Mixed orange and yellow flowers on strong, reliable plants.

Indian Prince

Double orange flowers with a darker centre, good for cutting and display.

Snow Princess

Creamy white flowers on neat plants with a clean look in borders and pots.

Oopsy Daisy

Compact plants with double flowers, handy for containers and smaller spaces.